Description
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are a classic Southern side dish made with sliced sweet potatoes simmered in a buttery brown sugar glaze. This comforting recipe is perfect for holidays or Sunday dinners and is naturally gluten-free. Keywords: Southern candied sweet potatoes, sweet potato side dish, holiday yams, brown sugar glazed sweet potatoes.
Ingredients
2 ½ pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds
½ cup unsalted butter
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into ½-inch thick rounds for even cooking.
2. In a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), vanilla extract, and salt. Let it bubble gently for about 1 minute.
4. Arrange the sweet potato slices evenly in the skillet and spoon some glaze over the top layer.
5. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 30–40 minutes, flipping the slices occasionally to evenly coat both sides.
6. Once the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and caramelized, remove from heat and serve warm with extra glaze spooned over the top.
Notes
Choose sweet potatoes with firm, orange flesh like Jewel or Garnet for best texture and flavor.
Flip gently during cooking to prevent slices from breaking. A silicone spatula works best.
If preparing ahead, reheat slowly in a skillet to bring the glaze back to life.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 33mg